Trapped vortex combustor

ABSTRACT

A trapped vortex combustor includes a refractory combustor body defining a combustion volume aligned to receive an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel source. The trapped vortex combustor includes a trapped vortex channel arranged circumferential to a portion of the combustion volume and/or arranged at or adjacent to a center of the combustion volume. The trapped vortex channel is configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The trapped vortex combustor includes a center body supported near or within the combustion volume.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority benefit from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/723,947, entitled “TRAPPED VORTEX COMBUSTOR,” filed Aug. 28, 2018 (docket number 2651-339-02). The present application also claims priority benefit from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/730,691, entitled “COMBUSTOR WITH ENHANCED TRAPPED VORTEX COMBUSTION CHANNEL,” filed Sep. 13, 2018 (docket number 2651-340-02). Each of the foregoing applications, to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure herein, is incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a trapped vortex combustor includes an air and fuel source configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture. A refractory combustor body defining a combustion volume has an open upstream end and an open downstream end. The combustor body is aligned to receive at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source into the upstream end, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall, and to output combustion products from the downstream end. The trapped vortex combustor includes a trapped vortex channel. The trapped vortex channel may be arranged circumferential to a portion of the combustion volume. Additionally or alternatively, the trapped vortex channel may be arranged near a centerline of the combustion volume. The trapped vortex channel is configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The trapped vortex combustor includes a center body supported near or within the combustion volume.

According to an embodiment, a combustor includes an air and fuel source configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture. A refractory combustor body defining a combustion volume has an open upstream end and an open downstream end. The combustor body is aligned to receive at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture, from the air and fuel source, into the upstream end, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall, and to output combustion products from the downstream end. The combustor includes a trapped vortex channel. The trapped vortex channel may be arranged circumferential to a portion of the combustion volume. Additionally or alternatively, the trapped vortex channel may be arranged near a centerline of the combustion volume. The trapped vortex channel is configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The combustor includes a trapped vortex fuel source disposed to provide fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex combustion reaction.

According to an embodiment, a method includes holding a trapped vortex combustion reaction in a trapped vortex channel positioned in an inner wall of a refractory combustor body, delivering an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel source, and receiving at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture into an open upstream end of the refractory combustor body. The method includes igniting, within a combustion volume defined by the refractory combustor body, a combustion reaction of the air and fuel mixture with the trapped vortex combustion reaction, limiting a lateral extent of the combustion reaction with the inner wall of the refractory combustor body, and supporting at least one center body near or within the combustion volume.

According to an embodiment, a method includes supporting a trapped vortex combustion reaction within a trapped vortex channel arranged circumferentially to a portion of a combustion volume defined by a refractory combustor body, providing fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex combustion reaction with a trapped vortex fuel source, and delivering an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel source. The method includes receiving the air and fuel mixture into an upstream end of the refractory combustor body, igniting a combustion reaction of the air and fuel mixture with the trapped vortex combustion reaction, and outputting combustion products of the combustion reaction from a downstream end of the refractory combustor body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex combustor, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex combustor, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex combustor, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a top view of a trapped vortex combustor, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a combustor with enhanced trapped vortex combustion channel, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a detailed side sectional view of the combustor with enhanced trapped vortex combustion channel of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an enhanced trapped vortex combustor having an alternative trapped vortex fuel source, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex combustor 100, according to an embodiment. The trapped vortex combustor 100 may include an air and fuel source 102 configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture. In an embodiment, a refractory combustor body 104 defining a combustion volume 106 has an open upstream end 108 and an open downstream end 110. The refractory combustor body 104 may be aligned to receive at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source 102 into the upstream end 108, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall 112, and to output combustion products from the downstream end 110.

The trapped vortex combustor 100 may include a trapped vortex channel 114 arranged circumferential to a portion of the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the trapped vortex channel 114 may be disposed on a centerline of the combustion volume 106 (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, the trapped vortex channel 114 may be disposed adjacent to a centerline of the combustion volume 106 (not shown). The trapped vortex channel 114 may be configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The trapped vortex combustor 100 includes one or more center bodies 116 supported near or within the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment.

The air and fuel source 102 may include an air plenum 118 configured to draw air from an external volume 122. According to one embodiment, the air plenum 118 is configured to draw ambient air from the external volume 122 via natural draft. According to another embodiment, the air plenum 118 is configured to draw pressurized air from the external volume 122 via a blower (not shown).

The air and fuel source 102 may include one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 configured to output a gaseous fuel into air moving through the air plenum 118 and into the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment. The gaseous fuel may include hydrogen and/or one or more hydrocarbon gases, for example.

The one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 may be disposed to cause a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume 106 between the upstream end 108 and downstream end 110, according to an embodiment. For example, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 may be disposed somewhat farther upstream than fuel nozzles disposed to cause a majority of combustion to occur downstream from the downstream end 110 of the combustion volume 106. According to another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 are designed such that combustion location is independent of nozzle location.

In an embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 may be disposed to cause a rich fuel and air mixture to be output into the trapped vortex channel 114. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 may be disposed to cause a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel 114. According to various embodiments, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120 may disposed to cause a rotation direction parallel to or antiparallel to air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets main air flow.

The trapped vortex channel 114 may be continuous around the periphery of the refractory combustor body 104 or around the centerline of the refractory combustor body 104, according to embodiments. In other embodiments, the trapped vortex channel 114 may be formed as discontinuous segments around the periphery of the refractory combustor body 104.

The inner wall 112 of the refractory combustor body 104 may be operable to store heat received from the combustion reaction and to release heat to the combustion reaction so as to increase stability of the combustion reaction.

The trapped vortex combustor 100 may further include a plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 124 arranged peripheral to the refractory combustor body 104, according to an embodiment. The plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 124 may be configured to cause fuel ejection at a selected angle relative to the refractory combustor body 104. For example, the fuel may be ejected to cause at least partial impact on an external surface of the refractory combustor body 104. In another example, the fuel may be ejected to cause at least a majority of the secondary fuel to be ejected to a location 126 corresponding to secondary combustion without first falling on an exterior surface of the refractory combustor body 104. The plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 124 may selectively receive fuel from a secondary fuel circuit separate from a primary fuel circuit operable to provide the fuel to the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120, according to an embodiment. The plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 124 may be operable to provide the fuel to the secondary combustion zone 126 positioned downstream from the downstream end 110 of the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment.

The center body 116 may be configured to partially occlude the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment. The partial occlusion may be selected to increase stability of a combustion reaction supported within the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment. The partial occlusion of the combustion volume 106 may be operable to cause vortex formation within the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment.

The center body 116 may be disposed adjacent to the upstream end 108 of the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment. The center body 116 may include a refractory material. In an embodiment, the center body 116 may include silicon carbide. Additionally or alternatively, the center body 116 may include zirconium.

The trapped vortex combustor 100 may further include one or more support beams 128 disposed to support the center body 116, according to an embodiment. The one or more support beams 128 may include a rod or tube having a circular cross section. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more support beams 128 may include a bar having a rectangular cross section. The one or more support beams 128 may include a ceramic material, such as silicon carbide and/or include zirconium.

FIG. 1B is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex combustor 101, according to another embodiment. The center body 116 may be disposed adjacent to or coincident with the downstream end 110 of the combustion volume 106, according to an embodiment. The refractory combustor body 104 may define one or more notches 130 formed adjacent to the downstream end 110 of the refractory combustor body 104, according to an embodiment. The one or more support beams 128 may be supported by the one or more notches 130, according to an embodiment.

The center body 116 may include a solid tile, according to an embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the center body 116 may include a porous tile. The center body 116 may include a single body (as illustrated in FIG. 1B) or may include a plurality of bodies such as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C.

FIG. 1C is a side sectional view of a trapped vortex combustor 100, according to another embodiment. The center body 116 may be integral with the one or more primary fuel nozzles 120.

The porous tile may include a ceramic honeycomb having a plurality of channels extending from an upstream face, through the porous tile, to a downstream face, according to an embodiment. The plurality of channels are arranged at a density of between 2 and 20 channels per inch across the upstream and downstream faces, according to an embodiment.

The porous tile may include a reticulated ceramic body, according to an embodiment. The reticulated ceramic body may have pores arranged at a density of between 4 and 20 pores per inch, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a top view of a trapped vortex combustor 100, according to an embodiment. The trapped vortex channel 114 is defined in part by a surface 115 corresponding to an outer diameter of the trapped vortex channel 114. FIG. 1D illustrates four primary fuel nozzles 120, according to an embodiment. More or fewer fuel nozzles 120 can be included in the trapped vortex combustor 100. A plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 124 are positioned around the refractory combustor body 104. FIG. 1D does not illustrate a center body 106 or a support beam 128. However, one or more center bodies 106 and support beams 128 can be disposed as shown in other FIGs, as will be recognized by those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. While FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment in which the trapped vortex channel 114 extends in a complete circle, the trapped vortex channel 114 can include multiple discontinuous segments.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a combustor 200 with enhanced trapped vortex combustion channel, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes an air and fuel source 202 configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture. The combustor 200 may include a refractory combustor body 204 defining a combustion volume 206. In an embodiment, the combustor body 204 has an open upstream end 208 and an open downstream end 210. The combustor body 204 may be aligned to receive at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source 202 into the upstream end 208, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall 212, and to output combustion products from the downstream end 210.

According to an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes a trapped vortex channel 214 arranged circumferential to a portion of the combustion volume 206. Additionally or alternatively, the trapped vortex channel 214 may be disposed on a centerline of the combustion volume 206. Additionally or alternatively, the trapped vortex channel 214 may be disposed adjacent to a centerline of the combustion volume 206. The trapped vortex channel 214 may be configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The combustor 200 includes a trapped vortex fuel source 216 disposed to provide fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex combustion reaction.

In an embodiment, the air and fuel source 202 includes an air plenum 218 configured to draw air from an external volume 222. According to one embodiment, the air plenum 218 is configured to draw ambient air from an external volume 222 via natural draft. According to another embodiment, the air plenum 218 is configured to draw pressurized air from an external volume via a blower (not shown).

According to an embodiment, the air and fuel source 202 includes one or more primary fuel nozzles 220 configured to output a gaseous fuel into air moving through the air plenum and into the combustion volume 206, according to an embodiment. The gaseous fuel may include hydrogen and/or one or more hydrocarbon gases, for example.

In an embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 220 are disposed to cause a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume 206 between the upstream end 208 and the downstream end 210. For example, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 220 may be disposed somewhat farther upstream than fuel nozzles disposed to cause a majority of combustion to occur downstream from the downstream end 210 of the combustion volume 206. According to another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles 220 are designed such that combustion location is independent of nozzle location.

In an embodiment, the trapped vortex channel 214 is continuous around the periphery of the refractory combustor body 204 or around the centerline of the refractory combustor body 204.

In other embodiments, the trapped vortex channel 214 is formed as discontinuous segments around the periphery of the refractory combustor body 204.

FIG. 3 is a detailed side sectional view 300 of the combustor 200 with enhanced trapped vortex combustion channel of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source 216 is configured to provide a pure gaseous fuel to the trapped vortex channel 214.

In an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source 216 is configured to provide a mixture of gaseous fuel and air to the trapped vortex channel 214. In an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source 216 is configured to output a rich fuel to air mixture into the trapped vortex channel 214. The trapped vortex fuel source 216 can supply fuel from a trapped vortex fuel circuit separated from the primary fuel circuit and the secondary fuel circuit.

According to an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes a fuel valve 302 configured to control a flow of the fuel into the trapped vortex channel 214.

According to an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes a combustor controller 304 configured to control a combustion system 300 including the trapped vortex channel 214. The combustor 200 includes a fuel valve 302 configured to control a flow of the fuel into the trapped vortex channel 214 and is operatively coupled to the combustor controller 304. The combustor 200 may further include a mixer 306 configured to mix the fuel with air. In an embodiment, the mixer 306 includes an eduction device. The combustor 200 may further include an air damper 308 operatively coupled to the combustor controller 304 and configured to admit a selected flow of air, for mixing with the flow of the fuel, into the trapped vortex channel 214. The combustor 200 may further include an igniter 310 operatively coupled to the combustor controller 304 and is operable to cause ignition, in the trapped vortex channel 214, of the fuel from the trapped vortex fuel source 216.

In an embodiment, the igniter 310 includes a spark discharge device.

In an embodiment, the igniter 310 includes a cold plasma generator. The combustor 200 includes a combustion sensor 314 configured to sense the presence or absence of combustion in the trapped vortex channel 214. In an embodiment, the combustion sensor 314 includes at least a pair of electrodes 312 (one electrode 312 is shown in FIG. 3) configured to respectively emit and receive a time-varying electrical signal that passes through the trapped vortex channel 214 and which is modified according to the presence or absence of a combustion reaction in the trapped vortex channel 214. In an embodiment, the time-varying electrical signal is modified according to an electrical permittivity in the trapped vortex channel 214. In an embodiment, the combustor controller 304 is configured to energize the igniter 310 to responsively sense, via the combustion sensor 314, absence of a combustion reaction, in the trapped vortex channel 214, while fuel is flowing into the trapped vortex channel 214.

In an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source 216 includes a nozzle 314 disposed to cause a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel 214.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the inner wall 212 of the refractory combustor body 204 is operable to store heat received from the combustion reaction and to release heat to the combustion so as to increase stability of the combustion reaction.

According to an embodiment, the combustor 200 includes a plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 224 arranged peripheral to the refractory combustor body 204. The plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 224 may be configured to cause fuel ejection at a selected angle relative to the refractory combustor body 204. For example, the fuel may be ejected to cause at least partial impact on an external surface of the refractory combustor body 204. In another example, the fuel may be ejected to cause at least a majority of the secondary fuel to be ejected to a location 226 corresponding to secondary combustion without first falling on an exterior surface of the refractory combustor body 204. In an embodiment, the plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 224 selectively receive a secondary fuel circuit separate from a primary fuel circuit operable to provide the fuel to the one or more primary fuel nozzles 220. In an embodiment, the plurality of secondary fuel nozzles 224 are operable to provide the fuel to a secondary combustion zone 226 positioned downstream from the downstream end 210 of the combustion volume 206.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view 400 of an enhanced trapped vortex combustor having an alternative trapped vortex fuel source 402, according to an embodiment. The enhanced trapped vortex combustor 400 includes one or more center bodies 404 supported near or within the combustion volume 206.

According to an embodiment, the center body 404 may be configured to partially occlude the combustion volume 206. The partial occlusion may be selected to increase stability of a combustion reaction supported within the combustion volume 206. Additionally or alternatively, the partial occlusion of the combustion volume 206 may be operable to cause vortex formation within the combustion volume 206.

According to an embodiment, the center body 404 is disposed adjacent to the upstream end 208 of the combustion volume 206, according to an embodiment. The center body 404 may include a refractory material. In an embodiment, the center body 404 may include silicon carbide. Additionally or alternatively, the center body 404 may include zirconium.

According to an embodiment, the enhanced trapped vortex combustor 400 further includes on or more support beams 406 disposed to support the center body 404. The one or more support beams 406 may include a rod or tube having a circular cross section. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more support beams 406 may include a bar having a rectangular cross section. The one or more support beams 406 may include a ceramic material, such as silicon carbide and/or include zirconium.

According to an embodiment, the center body 404 may be disposed adjacent to or coincident with the downstream end 210 of the combustion volume 206. The refractory combustor body 204 may define one or more notches formed adjacent to the downstream end 210 of the refractory combustor body 204. The one or more support beams 406 may be supported by the one or more notches.

According to an embodiment, the center body 404 includes a solid tile. Additionally or alternatively, the center body 404 may include a porous tile. The center body 404 may include a single body or may include a plurality of bodies.

According to an embodiment, the center body 404 may be integral with the one or more primary fuel nozzles 220.

The porous tile may include a ceramic honeycomb having a plurality of channels extending from an upstream face, through the porous tile, to a downstream face, according to an embodiment. The plurality of channels are arranged at a density of between 2 and 20 channels per inch across the upstream and downstream faces, according to an embodiment.

The porous tile may include a reticulated ceramic body, according to an embodiment. The reticulated ceramic body may have pores arranged at a density of between 4 and 20 pores per inch, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, a combustor includes an air and fuel source configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture, and a refractory combustor body defining a combustion volume. The refractory combustor body may have an open upstream end and an open downstream end, and may be aligned to receive at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source into the upstream end, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall, and to output combustion products from the downstream end. The combustor may include a trapped vortex channel arranged circumferential to a portion of the combustion volume. The trapped vortex channel may be configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel mixture. The combustor may include a trapped vortex fuel source disposed to provide fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex combustion reaction. In an embodiment, the air and fuel source includes an air plenum configured to draw air from an external volume, and one or more primary fuel nozzles configured to output a gaseous fuel into the air moving through the air plenum and into the combustion volume. In one embodiment, the air plenum is configured to draw ambient air from the external volume via natural draft. In another embodiment, the air plenum is configured to draw pressurized air from the external volume via a blower. In one embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume between the upstream end and the downstream end. In another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are designed such that combustion location is independent of nozzle location. Additionally and/or alternatively, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel. In another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction parallel to air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets main air flow. In another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction antiparallel to the air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets the main air flow.

According to an embodiment, the trapped vortex channel is continuous around the periphery of the refractory combustor body. In another embodiment, the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments. In one embodiment, the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments around a periphery of the refractory combustor body. Additionally and/or alternatively, the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments around a center of the refractory combustor body.

According to an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source is configured to provide a pure gaseous fuel to the trapped vortex channel. In another embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source is configured to provide a mixture of gaseous fuel and air to the trapped vortex channel. Additionally and/or alternatively, the trapped vortex fuel source is configured to output a rich fuel to air mixture into the trapped vortex channel.

According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes a fuel valve configured to control a flow of the fuel into the trapped vortex channel.

According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes a combustor controller configured to control a combustion system including the trapped vortex channel, and a fuel valve configured to control a flow of the fuel into the trapped vortex channel and operatively coupled to the combustor controller. According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes a mixer configured to mix the fuel with air. In one embodiment, the mixer includes an eduction device. According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes an air damper operatively coupled to the combustor controller and configured to admit a selected flow of air for mixing with the flow of the fuel into the trapped vortex channel. According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes an igniter operatively coupled to the combustor controller and operable to cause ignition, in the trapped vortex channel, of the fuel from the trapped vortex fuel source. In one embodiment, the igniter comprises a spark discharge device. Additionally and/or alternatively, the igniter comprises a cold plasma generator. According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes a combustion sensor configured to sense the presence or absence of combustion in the trapped vortex channel. In one embodiment, the combustion sensor includes at least a pair of electrodes configured to respectively emit and receive a time-varying electrical signal that passes through the trapped vortex channel and which is modified according to the presence or absence of a combustion reaction in the trapped vortex channel. The time-varying electrical signal may be modified according to an electrical permittivity in the trapped vortex channel. In an embodiment, the combustor controller is configured to energize the igniter responsive to sensing, via the combustion sensor, the absence of a combustion reaction in the trapped vortex channel while fuel is flowing into the trapped vortex channel.

According to an embodiment, the trapped vortex fuel source includes a nozzle disposed to cause a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel.

According to an embodiment, the inner wall of the refractory combustor body is operable to store heat received from the combustion reaction and to release heat to the combustion reaction so as to increase stability of the combustion reaction.

According to an embodiment, the combustor further includes a plurality of secondary fuel nozzles arranged peripheral to the refractory combustor body. In one embodiment, the plurality of secondary fuel nozzles selectively receive fuel from a secondary fuel circuit separate from a primary fuel circuit operable to provide the fuel to the one or more primary fuel nozzles. Additionally and/or alternatively, the plurality of secondary fuel nozzles are operable to provide the fuel to a secondary combustion zone positioned downstream from the downstream end of the combustion volume.

While not illustrated herein, top views of the trapped vortex combustors 101, 200, 300, 400 may be substantially similar to the top view of the trapped vortex combustor 100 shown in FIG. 1D in many regards.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method 500, according to an embodiment. The method 500 includes several steps.

According to an embodiment, the method 500 includes, in step 502, holding a trapped vortex combustion reaction in a trapped vortex channel positioned in an inner wall of a refractory combustor body. Step 504 includes delivering an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel source. Step 506 includes receiving at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture into an open upstream end of the refractory combustor body. Step 508 includes igniting, within a combustion volume defined by the refractory combustor body, a combustion reaction of the air and fuel mixture with the trapped vortex combustion reaction. Step 510 includes limiting a lateral extent of the trapped vortex combustion reaction with the inner wall of the refractory combustor body, and step 512 includes supporting at least one center body supported near or within the combustion volume.

According to an embodiment, in step 502, the trapped vortex channel is disposed circumferential to the combustion volume. In another embodiment, in step 502, the trapped vortex channel is disposed on or adjacent to a centerline of the combustion volume.

According to an embodiment, in step 504, delivering the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source includes drawing air from an external volume with an air plenum, and outputting, with one or more primary fuel nozzles, a gaseous fuel into the air moving through the air plenum and into the combustion volume. In one embodiment, in step 504, drawing air from an external volume includes drawing ambient air from the external volume via natural draft. In another embodiment, in step 504, drawing air from an external volume includes drawing pressurized air from the external volume via a blower. Additionally and/or alternatively, the method 500 further includes causing a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume between the upstream end and a downstream end of the refractory combustor body. In another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are designed such that the combustion location is independent of nozzle location. In a third embodiment, the method 500 further includes outputting a rich fuel and air mixture into the trapped vortex channel. According to one embodiment, the method 500 further includes causing a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel with the one or more primary fuel nozzles. In another embodiment, the method 500 further includes causing a rotation direction parallel to air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets main air flow. Additionally and/or alternatively, the method 500 further includes causing a rotation direction antiparallel to the air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets the main air flow.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600, according to an embodiment. The method 600 includes several steps.

According to an embodiment, the method 600 includes, in step 602, supporting a trapped vortex combustion reaction within a trapped vortex channel arranged circumferentially to a portion of a combustion volume defined by a refractory combustor body. Step 604 includes providing fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex combustion reaction with a trapped vortex fuel source. Step 606 includes delivering an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel source. Step 608 includes receiving the air and fuel mixture into an upstream end of the refractory combustor body. Step 610 includes igniting a combustion reaction of the air and fuel mixture with the trapped vortex combustion reaction, and step 612 includes outputting combustion products of the trapped vortex combustion reaction from a downstream end of the refractory combustor body.

According to an embodiment, in step 606, delivering the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source includes drawing air from an external volume with an air plenum, and outputting, with one or more primary fuel nozzles, a gaseous fuel into the air moving through the air plenum and into the combustion volume. In one embodiment, the method 600 further includes drawing ambient air from the external volume with the air plenum via natural draft. In another embodiment, the method 600 further includes drawing pressurized air from the external volume with the air plenum via a blower. Additionally and/or alternatively, the method 600 further includes causing a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume between the upstream end and the downstream end. In another embodiment, the one or more primary fuel nozzles are designed such that the combustion location is independent of nozzle location.

According to an embodiment, the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments. Additionally and/or alternatively, the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments around a periphery of the refractory combustor body. In one embodiment, the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments around a center of the refractory combustor body.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. 

1. A trapped vortex combustor, comprising: an air and fuel source configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture; a refractory combustor body defining a combustion volume, the refractory combustor body having an open upstream end and an open downstream end, the refractory combustor body being aligned to receive at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source into the upstream end, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall, and to output combustion products from the downstream end; a trapped vortex channel arranged to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel mixture; and at least one center body supported near or within the combustion volume.
 2. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the trapped vortex channel is disposed circumferential to the combustion volume. 3.-6. (canceled)
 7. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the air and fuel source comprises one or more primary fuel nozzles disposed to cause a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume between the upstream end and the downstream end.
 8. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the air and fuel source comprises one or more primary fuel nozzles designed such that combustion location is independent of nozzle location.
 9. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rich fuel and air mixture to be output into the trapped vortex channel.
 10. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel.
 11. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 10, wherein the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction parallel to an air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets a main air flow.
 12. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 10, wherein the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction antiparallel to an air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets a main air flow.
 13. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the trapped vortex channel is continuous around a periphery of the refractory combustor body.
 14. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments.
 15. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 14, wherein the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments around a periphery of the refractory combustor body. 16.-17. (canceled)
 18. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, further comprising: one or more primary fuel nozzles configured to output fuel into the combustion volume; and a plurality of secondary fuel nozzles arranged peripheral to the refractory combustor body.
 19. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 18, wherein the plurality of secondary fuel nozzles are configured to cause fuel ejection at a selected angle relative to the refractory combustor body.
 20. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 18, wherein the plurality of secondary fuel nozzles selectively receive fuel from a secondary fuel circuit separate from a primary fuel circuit operable to provide the fuel to the one or more primary fuel nozzles.
 21. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 18, wherein the plurality of secondary fuel nozzles are operable to provide the fuel to a secondary combustion zone positioned downstream from the downstream end of the combustion volume.
 22. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center body is configured to partially occlude the combustion volume.
 23. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 22, wherein the partial occlusion is selected to increase stability of the combustion reaction supported within the combustion volume.
 24. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 22, wherein the partial occlusion of the combustion volume is operable to cause vortex formation within the combustion volume.
 25. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center body is disposed adjacent to the upstream end of the combustion volume. 26.-28. (canceled)
 29. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center body is integral with the one or more primary fuel nozzles. 30.-35. (canceled)
 36. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center body is disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the combustion volume.
 37. (canceled)
 38. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center body comprises a solid tile.
 39. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 1, wherein the center body comprises a porous tile.
 40. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 39, wherein the porous tile comprises a ceramic honeycomb having a plurality of channels extending from an upstream face, through the porous tile, to a downstream face.
 41. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 40, wherein the plurality of channels are arranged at a density of between 2 and 20 channels per inch across the upstream and downstream faces.
 42. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 39, wherein the porous tile comprises a reticulated ceramic body.
 43. The trapped vortex combustor of claim 42, wherein the reticulated ceramic body has pores arranged at a density of between 4 and 20 pores per inch.
 44. A combustor, comprising: an air and fuel source configured to deliver an air and fuel mixture; a refractory combustor body defining a combustion volume, the refractory combustor body having an open upstream end and an open downstream end, the refractory combustor body being aligned to receive at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture from the air and fuel source into the upstream end, to limit a lateral extent of a combustion reaction supported by the air and fuel mixture with an inner wall, and to output combustion products from the downstream end; a trapped vortex channel arranged circumferential to a portion of the combustion volume, the trapped vortex channel being configured to hold a trapped vortex combustion reaction to provide ignition to the air and fuel mixture; and a trapped vortex fuel source disposed to provide fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex combustion reaction. 45.-49. (canceled)
 50. The combustor of claim 44, further comprising one or more primary fuel nozzles configured to output fuel into the combustion volume; wherein the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel.
 51. The combustor of claim 50, wherein the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction parallel to air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets main air flow.
 52. The combustor of claim 50, wherein the one or more primary fuel nozzles are disposed to cause a rotation direction antiparallel to the air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets the main air flow.
 53. The combustor of claim 44, wherein the trapped vortex channel is continuous around a periphery of the refractory combustor body.
 54. (canceled)
 55. The combustor of claim 44, wherein the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments around the periphery of the refractory combustor body. 56.-58. (canceled)
 59. The combustor of claim 44, wherein the trapped vortex fuel source is configured to output a rich fuel to air mixture into the trapped vortex channel. 60.-67. (canceled)
 68. The combustor of claim 44, further comprising: a combustion sensor configured to sense the presence or absence of combustion in the trapped vortex channel. 69.-70. (canceled)
 71. The combustor of claim 68, further comprising a combustor controller configured to energize an igniter responsive to sensing, via the combustion sensor, the absence of a combustion reaction in the trapped vortex channel while fuel is flowing into the trapped vortex channel; wherein the igniter is operatively coupled to the combustor controller and is operable to cause ignition, in the trapped vortex channel, of the fuel from the trapped vortex fuel source.
 72. The combustor of claim 44, wherein the trapped vortex fuel source includes a nozzle disposed to cause a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel.
 73. (canceled)
 74. The combustor of claim 44, further comprising: one or more primary fuel nozzles configured to output fuel into the combustion volume; and a plurality of secondary fuel nozzles arranged peripheral to the refractory combustor body.
 75. The combustor of claim 74, wherein the plurality of secondary fuel nozzles selectively receive fuel from a secondary fuel circuit separate from a primary fuel circuit operable to provide the fuel to the one or more primary fuel nozzles.
 76. The combustor of claim 74, wherein the plurality of secondary fuel nozzles are operable to provide the fuel to a secondary combustion zone positioned downstream from the downstream end of the combustion volume.
 77. A method, comprising: holding a trapped vortex combustion reaction in a trapped vortex channel positioned in an inner wall of a refractory combustor body; delivering an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel source; receiving at least a portion of the air and fuel mixture into an open upstream end of the refractory combustor body; igniting, within a combustion volume defined by the refractory combustor body, a combustion reaction of the air and fuel mixture with the trapped vortex combustion reaction; limiting a lateral extent of the trapped vortex combustion reaction with the inner wall of the refractory combustor body; and supporting at least one center body near or within the combustion volume. 78.-84. (canceled)
 85. The method according to claim 77, further comprising outputting a rich fuel and air mixture into the trapped vortex channel.
 86. The method according to claim 77, further comprising causing a vortex circulation within the trapped vortex channel with the one or more primary fuel nozzles.
 87. The method according to claim 86, further comprising causing a rotation direction parallel to air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets main air flow.
 88. The method according to claim 86, further comprising causing a rotation direction antiparallel to the air flow direction where the trapped vortex combustion meets the main air flow.
 89. A method, comprising: supporting a trapped vortex combustion reaction within a trapped vortex channel arranged circumferentially to a portion of a combustion volume defined by a refractory combustor body; providing fuel and momentum to the trapped vortex combustion reaction with a trapped vortex fuel source; delivering an air and fuel mixture from an air and fuel source; receiving the air and fuel mixture into an upstream end of the refractory combustor body; igniting a combustion reaction of the air and fuel mixture with the trapped vortex combustion reaction; and outputting combustion products of the trapped vortex combustion reaction from a downstream end of the refractory combustor body. 90.-92. (canceled)
 93. The method according to claim 89, further comprising causing a majority of combustion to occur in the combustion volume between the upstream end and the downstream end.
 94. The method according to claim 89, wherein the one or more primary fuel nozzles are designed such that combustion location is independent of nozzle location.
 95. The method according to claim 89, wherein the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments.
 96. The method according to claim 89, wherein the trapped vortex channel is formed as discontinuous segments around a periphery of the refractory combustor body.
 97. (canceled) 